The ground is undergoing somewhat of a transformation at the moment, with half the stadium seeing building works taking place. In October 2017 demolition commenced of the old Grandstand on one side of the pitch. This is being replaced with a new 2,800 capacity seated stand, that should take 12 months to complete. In addition, a new terrace is being constructed at the St James' Terrace end of the ground.

The existing IP Office Main Stand was opened in 2001. This smart looking all-seater stand, is single tiered, with some executive boxes located in the middle to the rear. It runs down one side of the pitch and has the team dugouts located out front. At one end is the Thatchers 'Big Bank' covered terrace, which was opened in February 2000 and replaced a former open terrace. This stand is quite impressive looking and with a capacity of just under 4,000, means it is now the largest terrace left in the Football League. Unusually both the IP Office Main Stand & Thatchers Big Bank Stands, have an open gap between the roof and back of the stands.

The Club have commenced with the building of a new 1,600 capacity stand, which is replacing the former old Grandstand that had stood since 1926. The new single tiered stand will be all seated. Although fairly standard looking, it is going to be much larger than the present Grandstand and will afford better spectator facilities and better views of the playing action as it is supporting pillar free.Like its predecessor though it will not run the full length of the pitch, due to the very close proximity of a railway line, running behind this side of the ground. It is expected that the new Grandstand will open by October 2018. The artists' impression below of the new stand is provided courtesy of the official Exeter City FC website, where more information and images of the progress works can be found.

The Club have also purchased a covered terrace from Barnet FC, which was in place at the North End at the Hive Stadium, before a new all seated stand was constructed. It is intended that this pre-fabricated stand will be erected at the St James' Park End of the Exeter ground. Preparatory earthworks have commenced to put in place a foundation for the stand to sit on. Once the new Grandstand at St James' Park End are completed the overall capacity of the ground will rise to 8,695, of which 3,715 will be seated.

Away fans are housed in the IP Office Main Stand (towards the St James' Terrace End) on one side of the pitch. Due to the redevelopment works taking place at St James' Park, away fans are allocated just one section of seats (Block M), with means that just 350 tickets are made available to visiting supporters. This modern stand is covered and has good facilities. It is also free of any supporting pillars, meaning that you get a good unobstructed view of the playing action. I personally have enjoyed my visits to St James’ Park, with no problems experienced.

There is a Social Club at the ground itself, which allows in away supporters. Paul Stillwell a visiting Luton Fan informs me; 'Just a minute walk from the away end of the ground is the St Anne's Well on Well Street. Local ales, nicely cooked food, Wifi, BT and Sky Sports and friendly bar staff. It is very popular with away fans'. About a ten minute walk away on Stoke Hill, is the Stoke Arms, which also has BT and Sky Sports.

Otherwise, the ground is walkable from the city centre where there are plenty of pubs. Mike Faulkner from Somerset, recommends the Duke Of York and the Amber Rooms in Sidwell Street. Whilst Tony Fort recommends 'The Victoria' on Victoria Road (follow Victoria Street from the back of the Grandstand). As Tony says 'You can park here (for free) but it is a good 10-15 minutes walk from the ground and steep! The pub is great, very "studenty", but full of friendly Exeter supporters. Both the food and ale were excellent both from a quality and value perspective'. Whilst Mick Hubbard adds; 'We walked on from the city centre towards the ground and, instead of following Old Tiverton Road which leads to the ground, we forked right, up Blackboy Road and stopped at the Bowling Green pub, which is about a quarter of a mile from the ground. We enjoyed this pub very much - good beer (i.e. proper ale), comfortable and quite airy, very friendly (locals were hospitable and fans of both clubs mixed amicably) and a separate pool table for those so inclined. A definite recommendation'.

If anyone can confirm whether alcohol is made available to away fans sitting in the Main Stand seats, then please email me at: duncan@footballgroundguide.com.

Leave the M5 at Junction 30 and follow signs for Exeter city centre along Sidmouth Road (A379) and then onto Rydon Lane (A3015). Take the Sidmouth Road turn off (B3183) towards the city centre. Keep going towards the town centre as the road becomes Heavitree Road. On nearing the city centre take the fourth exit at the large roundabout onto Western Way. At the next roundabout take the second exit onto Old Tiverton Road, then turn left into St James Road for the ground. There is street parking, but quite a way from the ground as there is a local residents scheme in operation. There is also the option of renting a private driveway near St James' Park via YourParkingSpace.co.uk.

The nearest railway station is St James Park, which is adjacent to the ground and only a short walk away, However this station is on a local line and most fans will arrive first into the mainline stations of Exeter St Davids or Exeter Central, from which you can then get a local train to St James Park.

Exeter Central is the closer of the two mainline stations is just under a mile away from the ground and should take around 20 minutes to walk. As you come out of the main station entrance, turn left and proceed along Queen Street. As the road bends around to the right, continue straight on along the pedestrianised area. At the end of this area (where it meets the High Street) turn left and then continue along Sidwell Street. After the roundabout turn left into St James’ Road for the ground.

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Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting St James' Park?

This was my ground number 91 of the current 92 Premier and Football League ground and part two after visiting Forest Green Rovers the previous day. I had hoped to visit St James Park a couple of years ago when Exeter drew my lot, Liverpool, in the third round but some bright spark wanted it on Friday night television! Don't get me started!

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

I came off the M5 at Junction 29, following Honiton Road and the B3183 towards the city centre. Like other contributors, I was surprised how near to the city centre St James' Park is. I deliberately made for Polsloe Road and copped lucky as the non-resident's parking restrictions don't apply on a Sunday! It was then an easy ten minute walk to the ground, around which, the parking seemed chaotic.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

I accessed the home supporters club, which seemed welcoming enough but opted for a coffee and snack from one of the other outlets as it was getting close to kick off.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of St James' Park?

It's common knowledge that the ground is in the process of being redeveloped; a £3.5 million project to come to fruition by the start of the 2018/19 season. The old grandstand, dating back to 1926, is being demolished and the away end is currently non-existent. The Heybridge supporters (and what a pleasantly noisy lot they were!) were housed in the left hand section of the IP Office Stand, where I was sitting. I understand that, in the near future, the away fans will have access to a covered terraced stand purchased from Barnet. How nice it was to look to the right and view the "Big Bank", a deep terrace for the home fans.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

Heybridge Swifts, from the Isthmian League Division One North, started very nervously but Exeter failed to take advantage and after a goalless first half The Swifts must have been the happier team. Despite conceding two goals in quick succession, The Swifts grabbed a goal back and were well in the game without troubling the Exeter keeper too much. Unfortunately, a goalkeeping error ten minutes from time gave Exeter some measure of control and The Grecians ran out 3-1 winners. The visitors deserved their reception, from the fans of both sides, after the final whistle.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

I had no problems getting away and was steaming northwards in no time at all.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

An excellent day out at St James' Park, even with a long trek home to Liverpool. Ironically, Exeter and Forest Green Rovers who I both watched this weekend face each other in the next round!

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting St James' Park?

I decided on a Devon double header while on an Easter break down here. I planned on going here and Torquay. I've visited both before, but not since 2000.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Providing you remember to get off the train at Exeter Central rather than St.Davids (although there is a closer station) it's a pretty straightforward walk through the city centre to the ground. St James' Park is also well signposted.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

As I arrived with time to spare, I visited the Quayside area, which is very picturesque and lively. I then walked up to St James' Park to check if I needed a ticket in advance. You don't for the terrace, but you do for the seats. Popped back into town for a beer, only to find the Wetherspoons pub was closed for refurbishment, and the only other pub in city centre (that I could find) 'The Ship' I think it was called, was packed. Walked back up to ground, as there's a pub called 'Duke of York' five minutes walk away, but this only seems to do generic and popular beers, rather than have a decent selection of ales. Any port in a storm, so I had a pint of Guinness in here before it got too busy. Fair play to Exeter City though, as they provide bar and food facilities directly outside the ground, and away fans are also offered use of the clubhouse. Not sure if this would be the case should Pompey/Plymouth or any team with a big following be the visitors though!

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of St James' Park?

St James' Park had changed a fair bit since my last visit in 1999. The home terrace, now called the 'Thatchers Big Bank', named, I hope after the cider producers, rather than our former Prime Minister, is covered, whereas it never used to be, and I believe is now the largest covered football terrace in the UK. The opposite end is for away fans usually, and always seems the smallest away terrace I ever stood on. However, today, it wasn't in use and the travelling 200 or so Barnet fans were housed in the seats next door. Both sides of the pitch had a covered stand. One seems new, and I'm fairly sure part of this stand (if not all) used to be terracing. The other one is ages old, and doesn't seem to have changed since my first visit in 1984 (showing my age). I've never actually sat in this stand, but it looks to be full of character. One of the many downsides to visiting league grounds is that unlike a lot of non-league grounds, you have to stay in the area you have paid into, making it impossible to give a proper assessment of the stadium.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc.

Exeter were chasing a play off spot, Barnet had nothing to play for, and for the first ten minutes, it showed, with Exeter taking a 2-0 lead thanks to some clinical finishing and poor Barnet defending. You got the impression this could turn into a rout. However, credit to Barnet, who rolled up their sleeves and made a go of it. Although still 2-0 to Exeter at half time, Barnet were the better side in the second half and deservedly got one back through John Akinde. I often wonder why Akinde isn't playing at a higher level, as he has an excellent scoring record. However, he also seems to miss a lot as well, judging by today, and by his performance against my team (Mansfield Town) earlier in the season. Had he converted all his chances today, Barnet would have come away with at least a point. They didn't, and their manager, Kevin Nugent was sacked directly afterwards. After 13 games! The world's gone mad!

The Exeter fans mostly generated a decent atmosphere in the big bank, up until Barnet got a goal back, when the moaning started. Final whistle was met with relief rather than unrestrained joy. The stewards were friendly, and the loos fairly clean and spacious. Food wise, not so good. There was only one outlet in the big bank, called 'Red and Fed', which sold pies, pasties, hot dogs and the usual hot and cold drinks/sweets and 'crisps. I queued for a Balti pie at £2.60. Handed my money over, only to be given a Balti slice at £1.50. Asked the person in the hut if they actually had the pie that I'd asked for, as if not, I'd go for a steak pie instead. Unbelievably, he just told me they didn't have any Balti pies, and I should be grateful I'd saved £1.10.pre-match, and something at half time. Clearly, I wasn't going to line their pockets again, but watched at half time, as queues of people returned with seemingly only sausage rolls available.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Dead easy. A 15 minute walk back to train station.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

I still like most of St James' Park. Having an independent food/drink outlet directly behind the new(er) stand is a good idea. Saw a good game from a standing area, only 17 or 18 quid in which is reasonable. Exeter do need, however, to improve the catering on the home terrace.

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting St James' Park?

This was my fourth visit to Exeter City and needing to keep my 100% Attendance record with Stanley this season (trips to Yeovil and Plymouth to follow soon!). St James Park is a nice old fashioned ground with a good atmosphere and I always like visiting.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Straight down the M6 and M5 and then followed directions on this website. Asked a local fan where to park and he guided us to some streets about 15 minutes from the ground on the main road just past a mini roundabout on the right hand side.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

We had something to east on the way down at McDonalds located at an M5 Service Station. On arriving at St James' Park we found some charity stalls doing brisk business just outside the clubhouse, so we were able to buy various things and chat with their very friendly and welcoming fans.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of St James' Park?

St James' Park hasn't changed in my four visits. The only difference was this the away fans were being accommodated in the newer Main Stand opposite the dug outs and not on the terrace behind the goal.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

It was an average game with both teams playing passing football but Stanley deservedly winning 2-0. the Exeter fans pretty quiet and restless but there was a good atmosphere amongst the 67 Stanley fans! The stewards were friendly and the half time drinks cheap and tasty!

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

There was a bit of traffic as to be expected but once on the M5 after about half an hour it was a straight forward trip home.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Enjoyable trip made better by a convincing win for the Stanley. Exeter City is a small very friendly club and a visit to St James' Park is well worth the journey.

Exeter City v Leyton Orient
Football League Two
Monday 2nd January 2017, 3pm
Andrew (Neutral fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting St James' Park?

I am a Forest Green supporter living in London. My friend who is from Exeter and a mad supporter is getting married in the summer, and I am his best man. We used this trip to view the venues and meet the rest of the wedding party. As this game was on my friend made a point of dragging me along to St James' Park.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

St James' Park was very easy to get to. We took a bus into the city centre and got off in Sidwell Street. It then a two minute walk to a pub for pre-match hydration and the ground was a gentle five minutes walk further on from the pub. St James' Park was very well signposted around the area.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

We ducked into a pub called the Duke of York. it was a run of the mill pub doing your usual brands of beer. One thing which was nice that both Leyton Orient and Exeter City fans were mingling quite nicely in the same pub.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of St James' Park?

When I got there we went into a stand called the Big Bank which is a terraced stand where all the home fans reside behind one of the goals. My first impressions was that we were halfway up and slightly to the left behind the goal post, and the viewpoints were really good. To the left hand side was a relatively new all seated stand which ran the length of the side, opposite at the other side of the ground very small away section which looked like it belongs in the Conference League, and a very old and tatty Grandstand on the right hand side which only ran 3/4's the length of the pitch. However I was told by a fair few Exeter fans that this Grandstand is being demolished in the summer of 2017 and will be replaced with a modern all seater stand, and to be blatantly honest I feel it is about 40 years too late! Dreadful eyesore and it just looked unsafe.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

We were stood near a section reserved for a group of fans called the Red Legion. These guys sang and banged drums for the full 90 minutes and did provide a lot of noise and atmosphere. You will get your usual football half time pies/burgers/beverages at standard prices. I had a coffee and a Cheeseburger which came to just over a tenner.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

We left and the stewards seemed very efficient and herded us out safely. The Police were very friendly and helpful to a couple of Leyton Orient supporters who were a little lost (good work Mr Plod!). We walked 10 minutes to the bus station and headed back to the place where we were staying.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Exeter City came into the match with a good run of six matches unbeaten after a awful start to the season which had put them mid table. Leyton Orient were in big trouble, sitting in the bottom two. First half was an even contest and was very entertaining, however Exeter scored just before half time to go into the sheds 1-0 up. Exeter then scored immediately after half time. At that stage Leyton Orient chased the match but were left a little light at the back, Exeter then scored twice more and the match ended 4-0. You have to feel for the Leyton Orient fans as they really were in it until the second goal. Exeter deserved the win but were certainly not four goals better.

Exeter City v Doncaster Rovers
Football League Two
Saturday 12th November 2016, 3pm
James Skinner (Doncaster Rovers fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting St James' Park?

I have heard that Exeter is a good place to visit. I have been on lots of away trips to watch Doncaster rovers and this was another another one that I have always wanted to do.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

It was very easy to find the ground after a long journey on the Supporters Coach. St James' Park was well sign posted on entering the city. There were some helpful and friendly stewards outside the ground.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

I went to the Duke of York pub, which is on the corner of Sidwell Street about 3-4 minutes walk away from the ground. The Exeter fans that I came across were very friendly.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of St James' Park?

I thought that the away end was poor with only four steps of terrace. It was also uncovered, although thankfully it did not rain for this game. I. thought the home stand to our right looked impressive, being of a good size and the entire length of the pitch. This stand is much more modern than the rest of the stadium. The home end opposite to us, was a very tall terrace which looked good by lower league standards. The remaining side was an old looking stand with unusual floodlights across the top of it. The stand was around half the length of the pitch in length, more situated towards the away end.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

The stewards were helpful inside the ground. The facilities were basic with what reassembled a shed with a one toilet for men and one for women. Most of the atmosphere came from the home terraced end. The first half was dull. The second was much better. Exeter took the lead. Then Doncaster scored three quick goals. Thankfully giving Doncaster a 3-1 victory.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Getting away from the game was easy. With our coach waiting outside the away end.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

I really enjoyed my day out. I will hopefully be going there again. If you have not been to St James' Park then I recommend that you do. One of the best away days I have had

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting St James' Park?

I supported Luton in the sixties and seventies and now live on Exmoor, a long way from League football. I prefer rugby union now and have seen Exeter Chiefs many times. However I was hoping to rekindle the Hatters nostalgia with a Cup match.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

I had forgotten how close St James' Park is to Exeter City Centre. Access is easy, a 15 minute walk from the city centre. A local train station is also opposite the ground. I parked by the river, at Flowerpot Lane. It is very cheap, £1.50, compared to £7 for all day city centre car parks. Easy walk up through the lovely city centre via Cathedral Green.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

I had lunch in city centre.On arrival at St James' Park there were very helpful local stewards who directed me to the visitors end.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of St James' Park?

I had visited St James' Park before many years ago and I was impressed by the new stand behind one goal. The visitors stand, as such, is small and just like lots of lower league stands I remember from many years ago. The terrace is just a few steps with nothing to lean on. Also, it did not get the lovely winter sunshine we got in the Grandstand so we were freezing! Visitors seats were in the corner opposite the away end and had very good views.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

My first League football match for many years highlighted the difference be tween football and rugby matches. Firstly,we were in our own separate area whereas in rugby we all sit or stand together and enjoy the spot. A long queue for hot drinks and food but probably run by volunteers so cannot complain.Worst aspect was the swearing in earshot of young children.This is offensive! Away teams should bring their own stewards and warn then eject and ban these people who are a throwback to the bad old days of football. I would not take my grandson to sit with the Luton fans.Will sit in the Family Stand next time with or without my grandson, sad really. Smoking is banned now at matches. Foul language in front of small children should also be forbidden by banning the minority who are spoiling a lovely sport for the majority.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

An easy, walk back into the city centre in minutes.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Very little singing or chanting compared to years ago, so not much FA cup atmosphere. Two Luton penalties and a red card made things interesting in the Hatters 3-1 win. The Luton centre forward and a couple of their midfielders stood out but generally League Two fayre. Some of the referee's decisions led to the familiar chants, from home fans, about his parenthood. 'Twas always thus.....

Exeter City v Hull City
League Cup Second Round
Tuesday 23rd August 7.45pm
Marcos Brown-Garcia (Hull City fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the St James' Park Ground?

I've never been to Exeter City and their St James' Park ground before. So I wanted to get it ticked off. This was to be ground number 68 of the 92 for me!

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

The journey was long but is nearly all motorway so was very easy. The car parking in Exeter is strange, as it is all controlled parking permit zones around the ground and towards the city centre. However, I noticed that mixed in with the permit zones are random free parking spaces. These are few and far between and I was lucky to get one.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

Before the game I went onto Exeter Quayside. It was a lovely sunny day and I found out that Exeter is a beautiful city. On the quay there are a few places to eat/get a drink. These establishments are particularly nice as you can eat/drink next to the waters edge. Everyone I came into contact with were friendly and chatty.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of St James' Park?

My first impression was that St James' Park has character. Once inside I thought that the ground was slightly bigger than I had originally thought. I was disappointed with the away terrace. Originally I was going to stand but the view you see on the television is misleading. On tv it appears the terrace is up to the pitch edge, however there is a large space which is off limits between the pitch and terrace itself. This results in spectators stood well back from the pitch. The stand is also low. These two factors result in a poor view of the playing action. Because Hull didn't bring the largest away following, there was plenty of room in the seated area. I moved into there. The view here was much better. I am not sure if it was a one off? but the away fan seated area was not in the old Grandstand. It was in the newer grandstand and this stand has no obstruction to the playing action.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

I enjoyed the game. Exeter City went into the lead with a superb long range effort. We equalised immediately and controlled the game after that. We scored two more and won 3-1. The Exeter fans in the large terrace at one end are passionate and tried to create a good atmosphere. They have a drum and it was nice to see them backing their team. Facilities and food are basic but more than acceptable. Stewards were pleasant but insisted on searching everyone, even my eleven year old daughter. I found this over the top. It was clear the type of fans City brought were not the troublesome minority.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Getting away from the ground was easy. I was back on the motorway in ten minutes and back home around 3am.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

I really enjoy coming back to the lower league grounds. They are my favourite type of ground. If I ever come back I will stay over since Exeter is a lovely place. Good to get the win, me and my daughter loved the day out! I recommend Exeter for an away day! It always seems better when the sun shines but out of the 68 I have done, I would easily place Exeter in my top five!

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting St James' Park?

My first 'Devon Derby' at Exeter City. A huge game with a lot at stake for both teams. It promised to be a good match and occasion.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

I took one of the supporters coaches that left Plymouth at 12.15pm. We arrived at Exeter Services and hour later, where we were met by the Police who gave us a hefty Police escort to the ground. There was shouting at us and a view gestures from the Exeter City fans as we went by, but that is what we expected. It is a derby game after all.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

There were already queues outside the away end when we arrived. So after getting off the coach we headed straight into the ground, in order to get a good position on the terracing to watch the game.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of St James' Park?

My first impressions was that it was a small ground, as it couldn't be seen from a distance. We literally turned a corner and there it was. Inside the ground, then the 'Grandstand' on our left looked very dated. On our right was a larger and more modern stand, whilst opposite was the 'Big Bank' home terrace, where most of the home atmosphere came from. We were stood on the tiny away away end, which felt uncomfortable with the sheer amount of our fans who seemed to be crammed onto it (it was sold out for this game). Plus it didn't help that most fans seemed to be congregating in one area of the terrace rather than being evenly spread over it. Perhaps Exeter should look at rectifying this (as it felt quite unsafe when we scored) or look at reducing the overall numbers of fans.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

We couldn't see much of the first half because we had a steward and the goal in the way but the second half was a lot easier viewing as Argyle were playing towards us. When we scored the away end went into meltdown. People were flying everywhere, and a lot of people ended up a fair distance from where they originally stood. Some fans even ended up on the perimeter around the pitch, some in celebration, but others climbing the barrier at the front of the terrace, to avoid the mayhem and crushing behind. Two late goals from the home side, meant that the game ended in defeat for Plymouth.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

At the end of the game the Argyle fans were let straight out. We attempted to walk back to our coach but a Policeman tried to direct us in a different direction which didn't help. The Police seemed a bit on edge after the game, but I learned later that there had been trouble in the town centre before the match, so may be that had something to do with their behaviour? Eventually we got onto our coach and were back in Plymouth by 6.30pm.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

All aspects of the day were poor from the result to the conditions of the away end. Still I would definitely go to Exeter again, simply because its the Devon Derby, saying that I hope we get promoted so I don't have to go next season!

Why were you looking forward to visiting the St James' Park football ground?

St James Park is a ground that is just beautiful in many ways, it may not be the most modern or glamourous looking grounds but it oozes character and is a true symbol of lower league football.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Having got the London to Exeter St David's train we caught another train that takes you to straight to the ground at a station called St James Park. If you walk out of here the grandstand is clearly in view.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

We spent the time in 'Red Square' where there's a bar, locally sourced burger van and programme sellers to keep you entertained in a vibrant atmosphere.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of St James' Park?

The ground has two modern stands and two older ones. The latter includes the away terrace which is a few steps of concrete with not much to it and the Old Grandstand which seats just over 1,000 people, often shared with away supporters if demand requires it. There is then the fabulously looking Main Stand which a typical modern all-seated stand that runs along the length of the pitch opposite the grandstand. Unlike the Grandstand, there are no supporting pillars and there is a row of sleek executive boxes as well as match day hospitality facilities. This stand holds over 2,000. Finally, there is the largest standing terrace left in English football- the Big Bank home terrace. Holding just under 4,000 people, this is the most vociferous of the stands and where a large chunk of the home support congregate. It can create a fantastic atmosphere, making it intimidating for the opposing team and the away fans whom they look down on.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

The game ended in a 1-1 draw, thanks to a last minute strike from Exeter's Jamie Reid and the atmosphere in the Big Bank was very good with singing for most of the match. With no roof on the away end, little atmosphere can be created there. The stewards in the home ends were most relaxed and allowed the Exeter 'ultras' to bring in various flags and drums. I can't comment on the pies but last time I had one there it wasn't great! Toilets are large enough in the Big Bank although I did hear that they're pretty abysmal in the away end.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Getting away was easy, simple train from St James Park to Exeter St David's. Devon & Cornwall police were very visible at the station and stayed until the Gasheads had gone home.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Great day out despite the rain and St James Park is a lovely little ground that I'd encourage anybody to visit.

Exeter City v Preston North End
League One
Saturday, March 17th, 2012, 3pm
Paul Willott (Preston North End fan)

Once again, as a Northender exiled in Kent, I had the luxury of a pleasant drive down the A303 towards Devon. It does make a welcome change from never ending motorways, and there are plenty of sights to see along the way.

Having done my home-work with an atlas the night before, I had pretty much worked out that once I had passed under the M5 I needed to keep straight ahead across several junctions before trying to home in on the ground some where to my right once near the city centre.

This seemed to work, and just as well as I found sign-posting to be almost non-existent, so beware! Just at the point where I was beginning to think "oh dear", I suddenly chanced upon a fair number of pedestrians in red and white shirts walking in one direction, so breathed a sigh of relief and spied the ground to my left as I drove along the Old Tiverton Road. I turned right at the roundabout at the end of the road, where St. James Parish church sits, and found some suitable parking and then walked back to the ground.

The ground itself, named after the Parish church, makes away fans welcome on a tiny terrace behind one goal, open to the elements. At the opposite end is the modern rebuilt terrace which has a peculiar profile to one side due to the proximity of a railway line and alongside the railway line is an old Grandstand, part of which is allocated to away fans should they wish to sit. To the right of the 'away' end, or St. James Road terrace, is another new stand that looks very tidy.

I liked the appearance of this ground very much, nestling amongst its rather cramped and confined environment quite cosily. Although not required on this mid-March afternoon, the lighting consists of a set of old poles along side the old Grandstand with a few lights attached to each pole, and more modern lights on the new stand opposite, so I suspect that the ground never did have the traditional floodlight pylons. Indeed there would have been no room in at least one corner due to the aforementioned railway line.

I mentioned before in an earlier report how I liked the noise made by Swindon's home support, and Exeter's fans deserve just as much credit if not more. For a team trying to stave off relegation, and losing for the majority of the match, they rarely let up a noisy barrage of support.

Its always great to see your team win away from home, yet I felt a tinge of sympathy with the home fans as they sang their hearts out, and complete with drums a plenty on the home terrace they made a great atmosphere, so I hope they stay up come the end of season shakedown.

I returned to my car, and for ease I drove a different route out of town relying on instinct and sense of direction which soon brought me to the A30 from where I could trundle under the M5 and onto the A303 and home reflecting on a pleasant afternoon's football.

I think most fans will enjoy Exeter City; but do your map homework beforehand unless you rely on satnav, and have clothing to hand that you may need for an open terrace!